Amarant: Unknown Path

[Tassadar]

Re: Amarant: Unknown Path

@Rose: This is exactly what you get for being cautious. Her gun's already in its holster.

 

[Iwanako]

Re: Amarant: Unknown Path

@Rose: This is exactly what you get for being cautious. Her gun's already in its holster.

Cautious? I advocated killing him(Admittedly, only after being pointed that I forgot to write a proper way to handle the near-crippled orc). It's Cevrik's own creativity to holster a gun while knowing someone's still out there taking potshots at us, then again...All good guys/gals spontaneously forget the fact that a gun-toting baddie still skulks around somewhere, got to create tension from somewhere.(Not that I agree with that, I think it's overused in series and a kind of cheap way to get that extra suspense in, I'd rather see another bad guy/girl reinforce the front or flank the protagonist rather than them convieniently forgetting someone's shooting at them the whole time.)

Oh well, I suppose I'll have to wait for the next update rather than doting out "judgement" on what isn't even decided yet, for all I know Cevrik lets a meteorite land on the guy's feet or turns the guy's gun into a potato shooter.

 

[gamefreak999]

Re: Amarant: Unknown Path

Wait isn't this a room filled with crates? Can't she jump behind one and then draw her gun?

 

[Tassadar]

Re: Amarant: Unknown Path

Wait isn't this a room filled with crates? Can't she jump behind one and then draw her gun?

She's not in the train car, she's standing in front of the gap between the car in which she fought and the next one.

Cautious? I advocated killing him(Admittedly, only after being pointed that I forgot to write a proper way to handle the near-crippled orc). It's Cevrik's own creativity to holster a gun while knowing someone's still out there taking potshots at us, then again...All good guys/gals spontaneously forget the fact that a gun-toting baddie still skulks around somewhere, got to create tension from somewhere.(Not that I agree with that, I think it's overused in series and a kind of cheap way to get that extra suspense in, I'd rather see another bad guy/girl reinforce the front or flank the protagonist rather than them convieniently forgetting someone's shooting at them the whole time.)

Oh well, I suppose I'll have to wait for the next update rather than doting out "judgement" on what isn't even decided yet, for all I know Cevrik lets a meteorite land on the guy's feet or turns the guy's gun into a potato shooter.

Your last post and the vote in it:

As much as I'd like to claim their heads, you only dodge so many bullets in a day, that guy will eventually get lucky.

A+ Retreat to the car, call for reinforcements by telling them there are rapists in the previous cart(the one we just fled from) and that we only narrowly escaped after a massive fight, and that one of us is still in danger of being killed.

Minor note: Knowing fights, the doors always miraculously end up locked shut even when they don't have locks to begin with. If the door refuses to move, turn around and unload on the orc.

One of these things is not like the other one. This was the vote that I referred to re: caution, to be clear.

 

[Cevrik777]

Re: Amarant: Unknown Path

Hey, now... While I am very happy to see you guys so invested with the story, I must call for peace! I'd hate to see anyone berate another for their decision, but I guess with some of the situations and scenarios I'm going to present it may be unavoidable.

Still, I implore you all to be civil. As two of my regulars, nay, as the two most prominent voters of this story, I'd hate to see even a modicum of tension between the two of you.

Anyway, to respond to Rose's concern over the holstered pistol:
I myself loathe that old worn out trope of completely disabling the hero of the story simply because a gun is pointed at them. It was not a choice I made lightly, and I can only hope the options I provide you will be sufficient. If not... then I shall be prepared to render whatever alternative you think will save our heroine in the next segment.

Here's to hoping that this... is only the beginning of a sensible and engaging narrative.

 

[gamefreak999]

Re: Amarant: Unknown Path

So far in the CYOAs, that I have read, the writer eventually forces the character to get raped because of the nature of this forum. I have seen excuses like, this is sexualized forum anyway and people want to see this... If we wanted to see it then we would choose it right? Also it feels like characters can never win in fights or at least without getting raped somewhere in the middle of the fight because things happen within sequences and we have no power over what happens such as this character holstering her gun. So please let us have a fighting chance in these fights.

 

[Tassadar]

Re: Amarant: Unknown Path

Ehhhh, I don't think Cervik is taking that track. If you were going to jump from one train car to another, I'm sure you'd want a hand free, and so holstering the gun made sense in context. She still has her rapier in hand, though if we're going to start being realistic, the MC wold be shot well before being able to use it unless ye bad guy does something extremely stupid. I voted against this track figuring that it would lead down a path similar to this one, but now that we're on it we'll just have to live with it.

 

[Cevrik777]

Re: Amarant: Unknown Path

Spoiler

So far in the CYOAs, that I have read, the writer eventually forces the character to get raped because of the nature of this forum. I have seen excuses like, this is sexualized forum anyway and people want to see this... If we wanted to see it then we would choose it right? Also it feels like characters can never win in fights or at least without getting raped somewhere in the middle of the fight because things happen within sequences and we have no power over what happens such as this character holstering her gun. So please let us have a fighting chance in these fights.

I will say this: It is entirely possible, but highly improbable, to go through this entire story and have not one sex scene. It all depends on what you are willing to sacrifice instead...

There you stand, facing him. His eyes narrow and his mouth twisted into a sick grin, he keeps his firearm trained on you. Your mind turns to the storage car and of Sir Cairn’s fate; did he slay the orc? Is he still alive? The man speaks as though reading your mind.

“I must admit: your friend surprised me. For a homeless bastard he knew how to fight. He somehow even managed to survive long enough to kill Gon.”

He looks down, shaking his head and laughing to himself.

“He kept going on and on about you I assume. ‘For my lady, this. Maiden of Light, that.’ He kept on and on right up until he died. Brave man, though a bit warped in the head.”

He looks back to meet your gaze, now a narrow glare. A tension fills your arm. You want to run him through. Cut his throat and let the blood drain out of his face as you stand over him. You barely even knew the old fool… “Why should you care?” you ask yourself. He wasn’t a concern of yours. You tell yourself this but it doesn’t make you feel any better. A complete stranger, throwing his life down so you had a chance to live. You ran as he told you to do! You fulfilled his last wish and let him stand valiantly as the man he believed himself to be: a chivalrous knight, whose only purpose in life was to give it away in protection of someone else. You try and tell yourself you did the right thing, but somehow, you have trouble believing it. Who are you to judge whether or not he’d still be alive had you helped? All you can do now is focus on the man in front of you. Your arm almost reflexively reaches for your revolver, as your anger starts to well up.

“Ah, ah!” he exclaims, a bit nervously, as he notices the motion. “We don’t want any of that, now do we? Oh, or… I’m sorry did you actually care for him? Oh, this is truly beautiful, innit? To think you wanted to actually save that poor old sod. What? Were you traveling together? A little entertainment for the road, perhaps?”

He laughs again and then steps over to the left of the platform, keeping his distance, the gun pointed at you all the while. You stay silent, keeping your rage in check.

“Get over there.” He says, motioning to the other side of the platform. “Stand on the edge there, and please, try not to fall.”

You stand your ground for a bit, your anger staying your feet. You want to throw him onto the tracks but you know you can’t. Not now, at least.

You do as he says, stepping over the elf’s body and standing near the side that lacks any railing. You look back and have to grasp the nearby pole to maintain your balance. You look back up to him and see that he is leaning back against the railing and looking ahead towards the front of the train. His face is almost shrouded as the bright background of the moon’s light hits the mist of the Hazelands behind him.

“About half of our journey to Bayton remains. Soon I’ll be home, where gold and booze wait for me in abundance.”

He looks back to you and takes in a deep breath before letting out a sigh of content.

“You have to love it out here, though. The air’s fresh, and the rush of the wind is better than it is out on the water. Speaking of which…”

He looks over to your right, as the ground falls away, the train, remaining at it's current height. You lean over and see that the train is now going over a long, narrow bridge, only just wide enough for the tracks. If you leaned over a bit more you could see straight down from the platform to the water.

“Ah, the River Silver. Beautiful body of water. Runs through most of Amarant winding its way south, eventually ending in a great waterfall that pours into the Hazelands. Miles wide, it’d be perfect if my crew and I tackled the rivers instead.”

You’re starting to wonder if he’s holding you prisoner to simply have a conversation with a woman. You wouldn’t be surprised if he’s that deprived of female interaction. You entertain the idea of trying to shoot him right here and now but he eventually turns back to you after you both hear a feint gurgling noise. It’s coming from the elf! Apparently he’s still alive.

“Hm? Oh, Erin, you still live! It’s a shame, really.” He then puts a hand up to his mouth and whispers loudly to you: “He never really was my favorite: always took more than his fair share of the supplies.”

And with that he stands up from the wall and takes a step towards the elf lying there in pain. He looks down at the poor fellow, and you half expect him to let off a shot and end his suffering. He pauses as he points the gun, and instead of firing, simply kicks the elf off the side into the gap. Your eyes go wide just before you turn your head and close them shut. The short sound of his body hitting the tracks and subsequently being run over adding a bit of a sickening feeling to your stomach as well as fueling your hate and spite towards this man.

“There, Erin suffers no longer and I didn’t have to waste a shot. More food and wine for me.” He says, smiling, and waving the gun around.

He then backs up again to the railing, actually hopping up and sitting down on top of it. He cocks his head as though he’s lost deep in thought. The intense wind continues to blow, kicking up your skirt every once in a while. You leave it be, not wanting to have the man mistake the motion for aggression. He eventually looks up, a smile still on his face.

“Alright, so there are a couple ways this can go: You can either hand over your weapons, follow me back into the car, service me for the duration of the ride, and then I kill you; You plead and beg for your life afterwards and I let you join the crew to service them as a whore; or… you attempt to kill me and die here and now. The way I see it these are your only options. Here’s a hint, though: take one of the first two; it makes my life so much easier. By all means, though… if you think you have a better idea: Go ahead! My ears and my pistol are both right and ready to not only hear but respond to your oh so creative offer!”

He then looks up as if thinking about something, before speaking again.

“Actually, if Gendrig were here he’d offer to let you join as an ordinary member. The way you managed to kill four, well… three of us on your own would’ve surely impressed him. Unfortunately, he’s not here right now, and nobody will take a whore’s word over mine.”

You don’t like any of those options. You either die or live as a slave for the rest of your days. No, there’s a way out of this… but how? You’re not sure how long you have to answer, but you rack your brain trying to think of some way to get out of this. Giving in to him is out of the question, but how can you kill him and avoid getting shot? You could try and race against him… tempt fate and hope your shot connects before he can move his finger but one single inch. One thing is for certain, though: If you lose your weapons you’ll be defenseless. You may be able to take him by surprise during the exchange, though. Grab his pistol; perhaps even throw him over the side! However, you’re not sure if you’re strong enough; he seems pretty fit. You may even be able to run him through, yet again, hoping he won’t end up shooting you beforehand.

The train continues onward, over the narrow bridge. You stare out over the Hazelands and river below as you contemplate your choices. The situation looks grim… but you still hold on to a small glimmer of hope: There's always a way...

The man speaks up again, curious what you'll decide.

"Well," the man asks... "What's it going to be?"

Choices:

Spoiler

No Reflex choice this time... I want to give you guys as much time as you need.

Choose, but choose wisely:

Primary Vote:


A) Agree to go with him and then, when he expects you to hand over your weapons, tackle him, and attempt to finish him off by:
1- Rapier.
2- Revolver.
3- Throwing him off the side.
4- Other.
B) Tempt fate and draw your revolver, hoping to shoot him before he shoots you.
C) Charge him with your rapier, hoping to gut him before you're shot.
D) Tackle him with all your strength, as he sits on the railing, sending him and yourself sailing down into the water below.
E) Make a break for the door to the lounge car to alert someone, hopefully managing to avoid his shots beforehand.
F) (Lie) Agree to hand over your weapons and go into the car with him, hoping you have a chance to gain the upper hand again.
G) (Submit) Agree to hand over your weapons and go into the car with him.


X) Other.

Z) Minor Action. Unavailable

---

Keep in mind: Plans may not necessarily go where you want them to. I've already laid out a basic plan for what actions will lead to where. Remember: I reward creativity.


Minor Actions Explanation:

Spoiler

Minor Actions are small actions you may do in addition to your Primary Vote (A, B, C, etc). They will usually just provide you with additional information or perhaps, in rare circumstances, an item. If it would cause an encounter or runs the risk of causing general havoc then it's best to put it as an additional detail under primary vote.

Examples are asking someone a simple question, inspecting an object or feature in the environment, checking on or using an item in your bag, or changing some feature on your person. (i.e. Putting your hair into ponytail - See: Sections explained > Appearance)

They may help you, but please, try not to abuse the system. Trying to examine a couple objects in detail may be fine, but picking every item off the shelf in a store can get a bit... tedious.
And as always: I retain the right to reject them However much it may pain me to do so...

STATS:*

Spoiler

Current Inventory:

Gold: 13
-Ticket from Hangsmire to Novo. 2nd Class.
-Ticket from Bayton to Respeiro. 1st Class.
-Ticket from Novo to Bayton. 3rd Class.
-Red Discrete Crystal x4
-White Discrete Crystal x2
-Note from “J”
-Bundle of Rope
-Lock-pick.
-Metallic Brooch (Type:?)
-Extra Shirt
-Leather Dress-Boots.
-Hook. Quite large. Three prongs.
-Compass. Points North
-Healing Potion. Will heal all but the most brutal of wounds.


Weapons:
-Revolver. Single Action. Single load. Holds Six Rounds.
-Rounds: x6 (4 in Cylinder)
-Rapier

Apparel:
-Belt & Holster.
-Small Belt-Pouch 1: Contains two revolver rounds
-Small Belt-Pouch 2: Healing Potion.
-Leather dress Gloves. Brown.
-Duster. Down to calves. Khaki.
-Skirt. Down to ankles. Black. Couple of tears, some making your legs visible.
-Blouse. White. Slightly open. Large tear along your midriff.
-Vest. Dark Leather.
-Sturdy Boots. Brown Leather.
-Bra. Black. Silk.
-Underwear. Black. Silk.
-Stockings. Transparent. Black. Slightly torn.


Abilities/Effects:
-Amnesiac: You have lost your memory and have little understanding of the world.
-Revolver Training: "It ain't much but you're a natural" -Tinder

Physical Appearance:
-Duster is unbuttoned.
-Red/Auburn Hair: Little longer than “Shoulder Length”. Let Down.
-Height: ~5’ 7”
-Small cut on right arm.
-Small cut on left cheek.

Crystal explanations can be found in the first post.

Explanation of Sections:

Spoiler

A "*" next to the "STATS" title will denote that there has been a modification since the last post.
A blue + will denote that an item has been gained.
A red - will denote that an item has been lost or destroyed.

Current Inventory: What you have with you.

Weapons: Objects that may be used to inflict harm on opponents. Note, that these are your primary means of damaging an enemy in combat but you may use other items you possess or objects in the environment in creative ways. This includes your bare hands and feet.

Apparel: Clothes that are currently being worn. Any damage will be detailed as well. Clothing not being worn will be held in your inventory. A “???” symbol denotes the knowledge of it being worn, but no specific details are known.

Abilities/Effects: Special abilities possessed by the character. Some may be directly linked with items/pieces of clothing. Also lists passive effects present upon the character, including passive skills and negative conditions.

Physical Appearance: A basic overview of the physical features of your character.
Some aspects may be altered via a minor action if necessary requirements are met (Tying hair up into a ponytail), or against the character’s will depending on the nature of the alteration.

 

[Minerve]

Re: Amarant: Unknown Path

I like this D :3

 

[xgkf]

Re: Amarant: Unknown Path

Fail for the character not drawing her pistol and firing while the captain guy was distracted by the half-dead elf.


In any case, I vote X: Throw our sword at him to distract him so that we can try to draw our pistol and shoot him (if throwing the sword doesn't off-balance him enough somehow to make him fall on his own).

 

[1Cyka]

Re: Amarant: Unknown Path

just got the email! I MUST vote for this!

I thiiiiiink X

just jump off! our options seem quite limited and are all quite risky. one little step backwards and we fall into the water! it might be a bit of a swim and hopefully we manage to get to shore before were carried away but we could probably easily walk to the town from then on. hopfully nothing worse then this guy is between the river and the town.

EDIT: Hm. I am now inclined to vote with minerve. Too man.y votes and we might not have a majority.

D it is them!

 

[Iwanako]

Re: Amarant: Unknown Path

I doubt the water is truly close, as even a 10m drop -can- cause permanent injury. 20m or more and we're dead.

Slinging the rapier away as a distraction sounds like a plan, then plant a bullet in his chest.

Other option are rather unappealing, even with a distraction(one that succeeds), so X.

Just thinking that even for an amnesiac our character seems to forget important stuff, which is bad(She doesn't have permanent brain injuries, right?).

 

[gamefreak999]

Re: Amarant: Unknown Path

I wonder what would have happened if we went to first class from the start. Anyways, if they both fall in the water then we still have to deal with him if we both survive and not just, we have to make the journey by foot which is more dangerous.

I say drag out the conversation until theres a chance where he loses aim. The trains aren't the smoothest of rides and we are near the back where a bump will make the car jump higher. When he loses his balance a bit from the lurch then stab him which would be X Another instance would be right when you enter a tunnel which would make him lose sight for a split second which can also give you a chance. Theres always a tunnel into a mountain next to a river.

 

[ShantyTsun]

Re: Amarant: Unknown Path

I have to agree with 1Cyka. Jumping into the river is probably the best option in this situation. But, because cinematic scenes are inherently more satisfying, I'll go with the following:
X) Distract the man with some off-hand remark about his lack of manhood and inability to subdue a lady. The moment he drops his guard, or does not have the pistol trained on you, D.

 

[Tassadar]

Re: Amarant: Unknown Path

A-1

 

[sturm]

Re: Amarant: Unknown Path

Aaaand I've finally caught up! A-1 , great story by the way!

 

[ArchAngelGundam]

Re: Amarant: Unknown Path

Fail for the character not drawing her pistol and firing while the captain guy was distracted by the half-dead elf.


In any case, I vote X: Throw our sword at him to distract him so that we can try to draw our pistol and shoot him (if throwing the sword doesn't off-balance him enough somehow to make him fall on his own).

+1.

 

[Cevrik777]

Re: Amarant: Unknown Path

Alright, I've waited almost a full 48 hours and the votes so far are thus:

Spoiler

D -------------- Minerve
X(Rapier) ------- xgkf
D -------------- Cyka
X(Rapier) ------- Rose
X(A-1 Rapier) --- Gamefreak = Counting it as A-1 as what you've described is quite similar to that option.
D -------------- ShantyTsun
A-1 ------------ Tassadar
A-1 ------------ Sturm
X(Rapier) ------- Archangel

In Total:

D = 3
X = 3
A1 = 3

This is most interesting, indeed: A three-way tie. I must admit, while not exactly something I had hoped for, I am happy to see nine individuals who are interested in the direction this story will take.

All we need now is either a change in vote or a tiebreaker. I must admit, however, I do prefer compromises; when a vote wins simply because it had more votes, but not the majority, that still leaves the majority of voters... unsatisfied. To have a decision reach 4 votes and win could still leave the other 6 unhappy. It's not a terrible outcome, but I still consider the feelings of the voters to be paramount to the success of the story.

I guess I'll have to wait and see as 3 votes of 3 is quite the dilemma.

 

[tomaito89]

Re: Amarant: Unknown Path

Just joined because I saw an opportunity to give input. Here's to my first post.

Anyway, to break-the-tie, I vote D.



Also, I really hope this CYOA doesn't end up like (almost) the rest of them. It's really well-written and entertaining so far.

 

[sturm]

Re: Amarant: Unknown Path

*Cries for the now worthless tickets* Though they may be gone, they will not be forgotten